The Michigan State
Horticultural Society (MSHS) established a perpetual Trust Fund in
1984.
The purpose of the Trust
is to support science and education in horticulture. The Trust
promotes excellence in public and private horticultural research,
education and extension by supporting:
Ø
Horticultural research at Michigan State University (MSU)
and similar agricultural research institutions.
Research should have primary significance for the
Ø
Horticultural extension programs to strengthen and/or
expand educational assistance to the
Ø
Horticultural educational programs at MSU and by the
Society to further disseminate scientific information and
techniques to horticultural students and the general public.
Ø
Public informational materials and programs to further
educate MSHS members and the public at large.
Ø
Educational scholarships in the horticultural field of study.
Ø
Distinguished lecturers and speakers at MSHS annual meetings.
Three Society members are appointed to serve
as trustees by the MSHS Executive Board. One Board member is appointed to serve
as liaison. The Trust Committee manages the Society Trust Fund under guidelines
stated in the Trust Fund Declaration.
The Trustees are responsible for investing
the Fund in a prudent manner. Consultation with the Society's
Executive Board is required for investments other than in normal securities.
The Trust Committee
solicits contributions to the Trust Fund and releases such sums as may be
necessary to fund the educational and scientific projects authorized to be funded
by the MSHS Executive Board.
The Michigan State Horticultural Society
(MSHS) is an educational organization with a mission “to encourage among the people a greater
love for choice fruit
products, to awaken a larger interest in
The Society has 1,500
members who are actively engaged in horticultural pursuits.
The Society sponsors an
annual convention with educational programs and a trade show, and regional educational
meetings. It encourages improved methods in the production, harvest,
handling, storage, marketing and utilization of fruit crops.
The Society supports the
Are there tax benefits?
Regardless of your gift's designation, it may
reduce your federal income, estate and gift taxes. Deductions from
your federal income tax markedly reduce the cost of your gift. Because everyone’s tax
situation is different, however, you will want to consult with a qualified tax
advisor before making your gift in order to discuss the options
available and the benefits of each to you.
MSHS Trust is classified as a nonprofit,
tax-exempt, educational organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal
Revenue Code, being organized and operated for educational purposes.
How big must my gift be to count?
MSHS is
most grateful for every gift, large or small. All donors are recognized in the
Society's Annual Report,
and each donation is personally acknowledged.
Several honor groups have been established to
extend special recognition to those who are especially generous.
|
$1 |
- |
$99 |
|
Patron Club |
|
$100 |
- |
$249 |
|
Century Club |
|
$250 |
- |
$499 |
|
Bronze Club |
|
$500 |
- |
$999 |
|
Silver Club |
|
$1,000 |
- |
$2,499 |
|
Diamond Club |
|
$2,500 |
- |
$4,999 |
|
Executive Club |
|
$5,000 |
|
$9,999 |
|
T.T. Lyon Club |
|
$10,000 |
- |
Or more |
|
President’s Club |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gifts of $5,000.00 or more may be identified
with the name of the donor or an honoree that the donor specifies; such
gifts may also be used for the support of a given objective specified by the
donor consistent with the objectives of the Trust and federal
income
tax regulations.
What are some special ways to give?
It may be helpful to
discuss various options with a Trustee or Board member in addition to a tax consultant. Some of
the options are…
Year-End Gifts
The best way to give a
charitable gift is through careful planning; the gift you give before
December
31st may qualify for important benefits during this taxable year.
Estate Planning / A
Gift of Bequest
Bequests from an estate or
trust can include gifts, unencumbered property, or income. You may leave a gift
of bequest in your will for the benefit of the Society's Trust. The simplest method
is a provision in a will making an outright bequest of money or property to the
Trust. For example:
"I give, devise and bequeath to the MSHS
Trust the sum of $_____________ (or otherwise describe
the gift if is consists of real estate, securities, or personal property)."
Memorial Gifts
The
Trust accepts one-time or annual giving programs to commemorate an individual.
Designated Gifts
Substantial one-time
donations can be applied to designated programs, projects, or equipment.
Corporate Gifts
MSHS urges corporations and
organizations, particularly those engaged in activities related to the fruit
industry, to contribute to the Trust.
What do I have to give?
Cash
is the most popular way to make a charitable gift. A check given to a
non-profit organization for $2,000 before December 31 may save you as much as
several hundred dollars at tax time.
Gifts of appreciated securities can be one of
the most
advantageous ways of giving. If you make a gift of securities you have owned more
than six months, you may be able to deduct the full market value of the
securities as a charitable contribution while bypassing all capital gains
taxes.
A gift of real estate can also be quite advantageous. You may be able to
deduct the fair market value of property owned more than six months as a
charitable contribution without paying capital gains tax on the appreciation.
Life insurance is a unique way to
contribute. If the policy is fully paid up, a charitable
contribution is generally the replacement cost of the policy,
or the
cost basis, whichever is less. A policy that is not fully paid
up may also be given, and a charitable contribution
may be allowed for approximately the cash surrender value of the cost basis, if
less. Ongoing premiums may also be deductible.
Tangible personal
property that is related to our exempt function may also be deductible at
the fair market value of the property without capital gains tax payments on the
appreciation, provided the property has been owned more than six months.
I wish to speak with a
Trustee or Board Member. Who do I contact for names?
Consult your annual
report or contact the MSHS office for a list of Trustees or Board Members.
I wish to contribute. What do I do next?
Please include the following information and send your
gift, payable to MSHS Trust, to Allyn Anthony, MSHS,
Name
Organization (if applicable)
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
OR
Contact any
of the Trustees, a Board Member or Allyn
Anthony for discussion and more information.